Botswana
AI Agent Legal Status: undefined · Autonomy: low
Legal Framework
Botswana has strong governance and rule of law by African standards. The Data Protection Act 2018 and Electronic Records Act provide some digital governance. The Botswana Innovation Hub promotes technology development. No AI-specific regulation exists.
Key Laws & Regulations
- ◆Companies Act 2003
- ◆Data Protection Act 2018
- ◆Electronic Records (Evidence) Act 2014
- ◆Cybercrime and Computer Related Crimes Act 2018
Business Formation
Private company limited by shares, public company, and external company available. Registration through CIPA (Companies and Intellectual Property Authority). Special Economic Zones offer incentives.
Tax Implications
Corporate tax rate of 22%. IFSC (International Financial Services Centre) companies benefit from a 15% rate. No exchange controls on IFSC entities. VAT at 14%.
Opportunities
IFSC framework, political stability, and good governance position Botswana as a credible jurisdiction for financial services and technology companies seeking stability in Southern Africa.
Highlights
Strong governance, low corruption, and the International Financial Services Centre make Botswana one of Africa's more stable and attractive business environments.
Risks & Challenges
Small domestic market (2.4M population), limited tech ecosystem, and diamond-dependent economy.